Angioplasty
A procedure where micro-surgical tools (e.g. an inflatable balloon) attached to a catheter are positioned in a narrow or obstructed (part of a) blood vessel in order to unblock the obstruction. Such obstructions are called plaque, and may consist of deposited matrials like fat (cholesterol) and/or clotted blood, sometimes also calcified material. Soft plaque material can be reshaped (flattened) by inflating the balloon under high pressure. Often a stent a type of mesh support, is inserted into the blood vessel at the same time in order to reduce the possibility of re-obstruction. See also PTCA.
GE Healthcare Glossary